A "distressed" man went missing in the snow last night, sparking a frantic search.

Police, ambulance, search and rescue teams, and fire crews were in Newmarket Road in Cambridge, searching for a man in his 40s who officers believed was in danger.

The search for the man was complicated and made even more urgent by the treacherous weather that descended on the city, with snow and ice caking the ground, making conditions particularly harsh for anyone out and about.

Witnesses reported seeing three police cars, a fire engine, and an ambulance at Cambridge United football ground in Newmarket Road at about 8pm today (March 2). The witness also said police officers were out on Coldham’s Common.

'We are unable to trace the chap and the weather is a huge concern'

Speaking to the News last night Inspector Terry Furlong of Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “We are searching for a male in his 40s we believe has got himself into difficulty because of the weather. The CamSAR search and rescue are assisting us in the search.

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“We are unable to trace the chap and the weather is a huge concern. He sounded distressed on the telephone and we believe his health is at risk.

“I would not recommend people go out and look for him.”

Insp Furlong said the man was in his 40s and was of slim build and about 6ft 2in tall.

“We have no idea what he is wearing though,” added Insp Furlong. “We only spoke to him on the phone. We believe him to be in the area of the football ground, which is why we are concentrating our search there.”

'Found safe'

At 10.29pm last night police confirmed the man had been found, and the search was called off.

The @CambridgeCops account tweeted: "We're pleased to say the man who we were concerned about in the Newmarket Road area has been found safe."

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